- In the realm of health care, addiction remains highly stigmatized, particularly among pregnant women who use drugs, facing condemnation across various systems. Agencies often remove newborns from drug-positive mothers without providing adequate support, contributing to higher risks of subsequent pregnancies with drug exposure. Health care providers also stigmatize these women, impacting their access to prenatal care. A New York Times article highlights the Great Mom clinic, which was established by addiction medicine specialist Dr. Cara Poland who draws on personal and professional experiences to offer integrated obstetric and addiction care, acknowledging pregnancy as a powerful motivator for change in substance use. Despite challenges and societal biases, such programs prove essential amid rising substance use rates and associated risks for mothers and infants alike. (Article here)
June 21, 2024
Opioid/Substance Use Disorders | Tea Leaves